Proposing a Redundant Communications Model for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System

Abstract

Uninterrupted electric power supply and delivery is a part of Critical Infrastructure (CI) for modern society. Secure data transfer between the control center and power station is an essential requirement for controlling and protecting a power distribution system. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are at the core of power stations control infrastructure. Traditionally, SCADA systems use a proprietary communication network to transfer control signals. These signals are critical between central control systems and power stations. Current telecommunication networks used for the SCADA system do not provide the required capacity for modern Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) systems, such as real-time video streaming. In addition, present communication networks or internetworks do not give the required reliability and security for SCADA system. ‘Multi-Agency Cooperation in Cross-border Operations (MACICO)’ is an International Celtic Plus project to create an innovative communication model. The proposed model will combine multiple telecommunication networks including satellite, TETRA and 4G LTE. This innovative system will also support legacy and future communication technology like 2G, 3G. The MACICO project also includes subprojects. One is to create a secure, redundant and broadband data transfer channel for SCADA and video surveillance systems. This paper aims to propose a new model to address related problems. A proposed communication model relies on the Distributed Systems intercommunication Protocol (DSiP). DSiP allows the combining of various telecommunication resources into a uniform and easy maintain system. The paper is also comparing available solutions of the research problem.